In the thick of the summer humidity, Madis is due to start a new project for a rental property at the end of Main Street. After the foundation repairs are complete on the building a grumpy author and whining crafter live in, Madis's crew prepare to plant hydrangeas for some screening and privacy. They don't get far, held up by the discovery of a dead body buried in the plot.

While she wasn't well-liked because of her personality and affinity for causing trouble, Sandy Angelan was the town's favorite—if only—maid for hire. With her murder, bitter arguments are recalled, memories from high school years are revisited, and accusations fly from one neighbor to another.

When another corpse is tucked in the very same garden bed a week later, Madis has to wonder if these hydrangeas will ever get planted.